Released on February 12, 2008
People with unpaid fines in the province of Saskatchewan may soon see their income tax refunds and GST rebates withheld.
Starting this tax season, the Fine Collection branch of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General will partner with the Canada Revenue Agency to garnish federal government income tax and GST payments from people who have not paid their fines. It applies to all fines laid under provincial statutes that are payable to the province.
This program is part of a larger initiative by the Saskatchewan Party government to improve the province's ability to collect outstanding fines, which includes the recent establishment of a new Fine Collection branch under the responsibility of the Maintenance Enforcement office.
"One of my priorities is to ensure we do the best possible job collecting money owed to this province," Justice Minister Don Morgan said. "We will continue our work in this area to make it clear there are serious consequences for people who do not pay their fines."
The new Fine Collection branch will expand efforts in the area of garnishments and the seizure of personal property to see that all outstanding government fines are collected.
Currently, people who do not pay traffic fines, including Criminal Code driving offences, are not able to renew their driver's licences and people who do not respond to demand letters and collection agents may see their credit rating affected. As well, people who do not pay their fines may have their wages or bank accounts garnished, personal property seized or face a hearing to determine if they should be incarcerated.
Fine payments may be made in person at all Provincial Court offices or by credit card over the telephone by calling the Provincial Court Payment and Information Centre at 1-800-661-2024. Fines may also be paid online at www.finepayment.justice.gov.sk.ca.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Candace Cook
Justice and Attorney General
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0775